Residents asked to call 211 for help in replacing furnaces

The price tag for the city’s Safe Homes program may grow as more residents seek help in replacing damaged furnaces.

The flooding disaster in May caused millions of dollars worth of damage leaving many without a working furnace. As winter approaches, the city has offered to help those in need.

Residents without insurance or inadequate insurance can call 211 for more information on how to replace their furnace.
The cost is expected to be covered by the Safe Homes program. The program has already helped many families clear out basements, repair hot water tanks and furnaces.

The price tag for the work done by the city is estimated to cost $3 million and may grow with the additional work.

Mayor Keith Hobbs said what matters right now is ensuring people have a heated home for the winter.

“There are people without furnaces and they could be in trouble still from the flood and we want to make sure everyone is looked after,” Hobbs said.

“We don’t want anybody freezing this year especially the elderly, the seniors, the shut-ins and those with disabilities. We’ve already fixed up several hundred basements with the Safe Homes program. That price tag is around $3 million and we’re looking at that right now. It could increase (the price tag) but we want to make sure people’s health and safety comes first.”

Hobbs said they are looking into whether or not the costs will be covered by the Ontario Disaster Relief Fund.

He added that he hopes neighbours will help look after each other and help out as much they can.

Anyone with concerns about their furnace are asked to call the number and talk to someone from the assessment team.   The city also wanted to remind landlords that whether or not someone has insurance they have a responsibility to provide necessities to their tenants including heating.